To reduce swelling, elevate the injured area above the level of your heart, especially at night, which allows gravity to help reduce swelling. Doctors commonly treat a jammed finger with a splint, which is a brace that keeps the finger straight and stable while the damaged ligaments heal. Loosen the wrap if the pain increases, the area becomes numb or swelling is occurring below the wrapped area. Begin wrapping at the end farthest from your heart. Don't wrap it too tightly or you may hinder circulation. To help stop swelling, compress the area with an elastic bandage until the swelling stops. If you have vascular disease, diabetes or decreased sensation, talk with your health care provider before applying ice. If the iced area turns white, stop treatment immediately. It also may slow bleeding if a tear has occurred. Cold reduces pain, swelling and inflammation in injured muscles, joints and connective tissues. Use an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for 15 to 20 minutes each time and repeat every two to three hours while you're awake for the first few days following the injury. Even if you're seeking medical help, ice the area immediately. That way you still exercise three limbs and keep up your cardiovascular conditioning. For example, you could use an exercise bicycle, working both your arms and the uninjured leg while resting the injured ankle on a footrest peg. With an ankle sprain, you can usually still exercise other muscles to prevent deconditioning. Avoid activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort. Protect the area to avoid pain and further injury.approach for any strain or sprain - protect, rest, ice, compression, elevation. The finger becomes numb, and turns white or less pink.Ĭhildren require medical care because damage to the growth plate of a finger bone can lead to long term deformity.Swelling and pain becomes significant or persistent.The area becomes hot and inflamed and you develop a fever.
#What to do when you jam your thumb full
For example, your fingertip receives the full impact of a hard hit baseball, basketball rebound or volleyball spike. A jammed finger is a common sports injury. The injury can be extremely painful, and the joint usually becomes swollen. There may also be a small fracture or dislocation of the joint. A jammed finger is typically a sprain to the joint or knuckle, of the finger.